After 15 years of dedicated service, Joe Fazio has earned the coveted title of lifetime member of Montgomery EMS—an honor reserved for the most committed volunteers.
“I joined because I love helping people, and it felt like the perfect way to give back to my community,” Joe says. “And, let’s be honest, riding in an ambulance with lights and sirens was pretty exciting too.” But what kept him coming back shift after shift? “The camaraderie among the squad, the adrenaline rush when the pager goes off, and the gratitude from patients and their families. That’s what makes it all worth it.”
Over the past decade and a half, Joe has witnessed considerable changes in emergency response. “When I first started, we relied on paper maps to find addresses—flipping through pages, matching grid coordinates, and hoping we got it right. Then GPS came along, which was a huge improvement. Now, with just one tap on an app, we get turn-by-turn directions straight to the scene. We’re getting to people faster than ever.”
“If you’re committed to helping others, you make the time.”
Advancements in technology have also transformed patient care. “In the past, performing CPR meant relentless chest compressions for up to 45 minutes. Now, we have the LUCAS device, which takes over and delivers perfect compressions automatically. It saves energy for responders and improves outcomes for patients,” Joe explains. “Stretchers have evolved too. We used to lift manual stretchers, often straining our backs. Today, power stretchers do all the heavy lifting at the press of a button. The squad has invested heavily in technology—both for patient care and for volunteer safety.”
Beyond his role as a crew chief on Wednesday nights, Joe has taken on additional responsibilities over the years. “I served as a trustee for more than a decade and still handle ID badges and door access for the squad.”
When he’s not responding to calls, Joe works as a software engineer for Abbott Labs, balancing his professional and volunteer life. “I volunteer for the night shift from 7 PM to 7 AM. I always block off Wednesday evenings for EMS. If you’re committed to helping others, you make the time.” Looking ahead, he plans to continue giving. “Once I retire in a few years, I’ll start volunteering during the day shift.”
Joe’s EMT training has proven valuable beyond the township. “You take your EMT skills with you everywhere. Once, a coworker cut her finger badly—blood everywhere. Everyone turned to me because they knew I was an EMT. Another time, someone had a hypertensive emergency, and I stepped in until the ambulance arrived.”
Dedicated volunteers like Joe are the heart of Montgomery EMS. If you’re ready to make a difference, learn more about joining the team.
